Stage is set for BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi’s Sujanpur rally in Hamirpur district on Sunday, but prevailing bad weather conditions is giving sleepless nights to the organisers.
Snowfall, rains and cool winds on Friday created a panicky situation among BJP leaders, who are already putting their heart and might to mobilise crowd from different parts of the State.
Some of leaders who were mobilising the people for the mega rally are apprehending that snow and rains could deter people from venturing out from their houses as weather forecast of weather department is also indicating that bad weather conditions would prevail at least in high altitude areas.
The Meteorological department has forecast snow in the higher reaches while rains on middle altitude areas for the next 48 hours. Meteorological Centre, Shimla director Manmohan Singh said that due to western disturbance winds, moderate rains and snow was expected in the State till February 17.
“Weather may be mainly dry in lower altitude areas but in higher and middle reaches snow and rains has being predicted due to western disturbances,” said Manmohan Singh.
Preparations for the rally are in full swing at Sujanpur of Hamirpur district despite bad weather conditions and stage and pandals are being prepared. Rally coordinator Chander Mohan Thakur said they are expecting sunny day on February 17, but even if bad weather condition persisted, adequate arrangements are being made at Sujanpur ground.
“We pray for bright sunny day on Sunday but if weather condition remains same, necessary arrangements will be done for the convenience of people,” said Thakur.
Snowfall could affect the influx of people to the rally from Shimla, Kinnaur, lahaul-Spiti and Kullu district mainly. Manali of Kullu district has received around 12 inch snowfall in last 24 hours, while heavy snowfall has been reported in Kinnaur district with several roads being blocked.
Kinnaur BJP leader Surat Negi said that due to heavy snowfall in the district, number of people coming to Modi’s rally is uncertain. Apart from mobilising a big crowd for the rally, another worry for the BJP is to make Modi’s chopper land near rally site.
According to Thakur, the party has made three plans which include that Modi’s chartered plane will land at Gaggal airport and from there he will come to rally site by chopper if it’s fair weather condition.
“If bad weather condition prevails then he may come to Chandigarh and from there by road and if at Chandigarh also bad weather prevails then party may bring Modi a day earlier from Delhi by road,” said Thakur.